Browning X Bolt 2 Accuracy Problem

[Onehorse]

I bought a new Browning X Bolt 2 in 6.5 PRC last November (2025). and am having accuracy problems. First, let me say that I bought his rifle for hunting, not precision shooting - I was expecting groups consistently around 1 inch. I am struggling to get 2 inch groups at 100 yards. So far, I have only used handloads with RL26, H1000, IMR7828SSC, H4831SC, powders; Hornady brass; CCI 200 and Rem 9 1/2 mag primers; Barnes 127 gr LRX, Cutting Edge 125 gr Maximus bullets. I've tried different seating depths and powder charges, etc. I have shot about 200 rounds after doing the Browning recommended barrel break-in. I mounted the scope myself and am meticulous about the process and have done it dozens of times over 70 years of shooting (Yeah, I'm an old fart. I don't consider myself an expert, but I'm not exactly a newbe at this stuff.) So, the next time I go to the range, I plan to put aside the X-Bolt, and shoot my Tikka 270 Win to see if the problem is me instead of the rifle. If I'm still shooting well with that other rifle, then I will strip the scope and rings (Talley) off the X Bolt , and remount the scope, take the barreled action out of the stock and reset it being sure to torque the action screws to the recommended torque (I think it's 35 in/lb.) Basically, starting all over again with this rifle.
So, that's my problem and my plan. I would appreciate any advice or personal experiences anyone has had with Browning X Bolt 2 rifles and accuracy issues. Please don't waste your time or mine telling me I should have bought YOUR favorite rifle or other bullshit. (I'm too old to give up any of my time for that. LOL) Thanks a bunch!

 

[bowrunner81]

I don’t know if I’ve heard of a browning that didn’t shoot well, although I’m sure there are some. Are they torqued to 35in-lb now? Maybe try degreasing everything and a little nail polish on the bottom of the tally rings. I’d also just snag a box of Hornady match ammo. Or try a different bullet like 143eldx or 147eldm in your hand loads. I would think H4831SC would do well. And I know a lot of people on here don’t like cleaning rifles, but after shooting all copper bullets you might do some copper remover and start with a fresh barrel.

 

[Evergreen]

Both my XBolts like the 140 Accubond and 140 Berger , can’t remember the charge I use with RL26.

 

[fuzzymarindave]

Try another scope. I had the same situation with a Weatherby Mark V shooting 2" groups and chased my tail for a few hundred rounds. Put a cheapo scope on it and it shot 1" groups immediately.

 

[Tmac]

Had similar accuracy issues with my son’s x-bolt. There was some bedding compound along the side of the stock contacting the barrel. I relieved that and it helped. But did not solve the issue.

Next I put a couple hand cut washers out of one of those bank mailers with the fake credit card. It was thin material, so used 2 for each action screw. I drilled an undersized hole and cut out a small doughnut with a scissors. Jammed the washers on the screws, they were tight enough to hold the screw in place in the stock, then dropped in action and went to 45 in lbs. That fixed her, shoots well under an inch with multiple loads now.

So I’d check the bedding if you have eliminated scope/ring/base issues. We did not follow Browning’s break in stuff. Cleaned it at home, very lightly oiled it, and went shooting. I wanted to pop it off the stock and put in some better nylon washers, but he won’t let me touch it…